This month, at the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit 18th edition in Dubai, the world’s first 5G-A region in the mobile AI era was launched. Under the theme ‘Global. Regional. Digital.’ the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit spotlit the industry’s main trends, including 5G, cloud, data centers, and digitilisation
The launch followed a panel discussion, in which a group of ten industry professionals gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities in advancing 5G technology in the Middle East. Key points included the need for cross-industry collaboration, open APIs, and spectrum utilisation.
The panelists included:
Fayez Abu Awad, Policy Director, MENA, GSMA
Khalid Al Awadi, Manager, Broadcasting and Space Services, TDRA UAE
Hasan Alshemeili, Head of Technology Planning, du
Dr. Ayman Elnashar, VP of Technology Strategy, Architecture & Innovation, e&
Ramy Boctor, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Qatar
Stelios Savvides, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Oman
Hicham Siblini, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer, Ooredoo Qatar
Allen Tang, President of ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Dept, Huawei MECA
Zoran Lazarevic, Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson MEA
Mohamed Samir, VP Middle East Market, Nokia
Etisalat and du highlighted their 5G network coverage and speed achievements, with Etisalat covering 99% outdoor populated areas. The discussion emphasised the importance of AI in network management and the potential for 5G to enhance digital transformation across different sectors.
“We believe that 5G advanced influence in the Middle East will help accelerate digital transformations by enhancing connectivity across different sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation,” said Hasan Alshemeili, Head of Technology Planning at du.
“When moving to 5G Advanced, we are more in need of cross industry collaboration, an aspect which the GSMA is actively working on,” said Fayez Abu Awad, Policy Director, MENA at the GSMA.
5G Advanced, also known as 5.5G, is the next evolution of 5G technology, designed to enhance current networks while paving the way for 6G. This upgrade will deliver even faster speeds, lower latency, and improved coverage, making it ideal for applications like connected vehicles, industrial automation, and immersive technologies such as AR and VR. By integrating AI, 5G Advanced networks will be smarter and more efficient, capable of handling more devices and optimising performance in real time.
The Middle East is already becoming a world leader in 5G-A, having become a global leader in 5G already. According to the GSMA, 5G networks now cover 75% or more of the population in the GCC states, whilst also increasing investment in 5G standalone (SA) and 5G-Advanced use cases.
For example, earlier this month, UAE-based operator du launched its 5G-Advanced Commercial Innovation Centre in Dubai, aimed at exploring how the capabilities of 5G-A can create innovative new services.
The Innovation Centre will work to develop new services in the consumer, home, and enterprise segments, leveraging 5G-A’s improved capabilities over traditional 5G, including speeds of up to 5Gbps, lower latency, and greater capacities.
The event finished with the launch ceremony celebrating the joint efforts of regulators, operators, and vendors, and in positioning the Middle East as a global leader in 5G-Advanced technology.
The launch “symbolises a new era of connectivity and innovation. Everyone here’s presence underscores the collaboration and technological strides that have made this milestone possible.”
Looking ahead, the launch of the world’s first 5G-A region marks a major step forward in next-generation connectivity. With the Middle East leading the way, the focus will now be on expanding 5G-Advanced applications, from smart cities to immersive digital experiences. The milestone highlights the power of collaboration between regulators, operators, and vendors. As investments and innovation continue to grow, the region is set to play a key role in shaping the future of mobile AI and advanced connectivity worldwide. World’s first 5G-A region in Mobile AI Era launched
